The 'White House' in Phuket

Jan. 7, 2013 7:11 p.m. ET

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George Smith, a former British Royal Marine turned businessman, said he came up with the idea for this Colonial-style mansion in 1999 while recovering from a machinery accident at a factory he owned, which broke his pelvis, back and legs. 'I was in the hospital for six months,' Mr. Smith said. 'I spent a lot of time fantasizing and doing drawings of my dream house in Thailand.'
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Mr. Smith said he bought the 1 ½-acre parcel of land for $130,000 in April 2000. The plot sits on a hillside overlooking the sea on the southwest coast of Phuket, Thailand. At the time of purchase, Mr. Smith was still recovering from his injuries in a wheel chair. 'I had them carry me up the hill so I could inspect the land,' he said.
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Development of the jungle-covered property and construction of the home began in 2000 and was completed in 2003. Mr. Smith estimates that he invested some 26 million Thai baht (about $850,000) on the project. 'I've always admired the Colonial-style mansions in the U.S. south with their pillars and big-terraced balconies,' Mr. Smith said.
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'I wanted something classic and not too modern,' Mr. Smith said of the design. The finished home is 8,000 square feet and has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and quarters for three live-in staff. The local community took to calling it the 'White House,' Mr. Smith said. 'It started off as a joke, but now that's what everyone calls it.'
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Mr. Smith currently lives in the home with his wife, his sister-in-law and their staff of three. He estimates spending one million baht per year to maintain the home, including utilities, salaries and room and board for the staff.
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'I love a sunset, so I wanted big balconies and lots of comfortable outdoor spaces,' said Mr. Smith, who selected gray and black tiles for most of the home's balconies to contrast against the white exterior.
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The home has a pool, a billiards room and spa facilities such as a steam room and a massage area, which are currently undergoing a renovation, Mr. Smith said. There is also a small stage area outdoors where bands have played during birthday, anniversary and wedding parties. Mr. Smith has hosted as many as 100 guests.
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In 2009, Mr. Smith remodeled the home's interiors, adding new granite, marble and ceramic flooring throughout. He said he spent 26 million baht on the changes. 'It was more rustic before,' Mr. Smith said. 'We wanted to bring it up to the luxury level that [has] become standard in Phuket.' One of the home's two kitchens is pictured here.
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Mr. Smith purchased nearly all of the home's decoration and furniture in Thailand. The main dining room shown here can accommodate up to 25 dinner guests.
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The open-air foyer here has a fish pond running along both sides of its perimeter. 'It's a great place to sit and have a beer or a coffee,' Mr. Smith said.
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The property's grounds have several fruit-bearing coconut, banana and mango trees. 'We have a little garden in back where we grow some vegetables and Thai peppers and herbs,' Mr. Smith said.
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Asked why he's selling, Mr. Smith said: 'I'm 59 years old. I'd like to see more of the world before I turn 60. The house is too big for me and my family. Before I was entertaining many guests; now I just want to travel and relax.'
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The home was initially listed in July for 105 million baht ($3.4 million), but the price was reduced in October to 89 million baht ($2.9 million). Mr. Smith said he was convinced by the agent that the new price would 'get people out to come and see it.'
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The furniture is included in the sale but Mr. Smith said he plans to take a few art pieces with him. Martin Phillips of Phillips Luxury Realty has the listing.
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